How long after wisdom tooth extraction can you brush your teeth?

Oct 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, brushing your teeth is not recommended within 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. Brushing can gradually resume after 24 hours, but you should avoid the surgical site. In daily care, avoid chewing on the side of the extraction and refrain from eating hard or hot foods in the short term following the procedure. When brushing, move slowly and gently to prevent disturbing the wound. If there is slight oozing from the extraction site, gently biting down on a clean gauze pad may help control the bleeding.

Generally, brushing teeth is not recommended within 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. Brushing can gradually resume after 24 hours, but care must be taken to avoid the surgical site. Details are as follows:

Within the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal, the blood clot at the extraction site has not yet stabilized. Brushing during this period may dislodge the clot, leading to wound bleeding or infection, which could prolong healing time. During this period, gentle rinsing can help keep the mouth clean—use a prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water to swish gently, avoiding vigorous rinsing.

After 24 hours, the blood clot at the extraction site is generally stable, and you may begin gently brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to avoid the surgical area while brushing, focusing instead on cleaning other teeth to prevent food debris accumulation and bacterial growth. After brushing, continue rinsing gently to maintain oral hygiene and avoid irritating the wound.

In daily care, avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was extracted in the short term, and refrain from eating hard or hot foods. Move slowly and gently when brushing to avoid disturbing the wound. If there is slight oozing from the extraction site, gently biting down on a clean gauze pad can help control bleeding. Additionally, maintaining regular sleep patterns supports faster wound healing.

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What should I pay attention to after having my wisdom tooth extracted?

In general, after wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to control bleeding, maintain good oral hygiene, eat a bland diet, avoid chewing on the affected side, and refrain from licking the wound. If discomfort or symptoms occur after the extraction, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, regular dental follow-up visits are recommended to monitor any changes in your condition.

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How many days after wisdom tooth extraction can you brush your teeth?

In general, you can start brushing your teeth 1 to 2 days after wisdom tooth extraction. Whether you begin brushing on day 1 or day 2, be sure to carefully avoid the extraction site and clean only the other teeth. If you experience increased bleeding, worsening pain, or an unpleasant odor from the wound during this time, stop brushing and seek medical attention promptly. After brushing, avoid consuming excessively cold or hot foods, and continue following your doctor's instructions for proper wound care to promote healing.

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How long does it take to recover from pain after wisdom tooth extraction?

Within 24 hours after tooth extraction, as the anesthetic wears off, significant pain may occur at the surgical site, especially worsening during chewing or swallowing. This is a normal postoperative reaction. The pain is usually mild to moderate and can be relieved by taking analgesics as prescribed. Over the next 3 to 5 days, as the blood clot at the extraction site stabilizes and inflammation decreases, the pain will gradually subside, with minimal impact on daily activities.

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How long after wisdom tooth extraction can I eat normally?

In general, the time it takes to return to normal eating after wisdom tooth extraction depends on the extent of trauma from the procedure. If the trauma is minor, normal eating can usually resume in about one week; if the trauma is more significant, it may take approximately two weeks. In daily diet, avoid eating overly hard, hot, spicy, or irritating foods to prevent wound irritation. At the same time, maintain a balanced nutrition and consume more foods rich in protein and vitamins.

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Can I eat sugar mandarins after having my wisdom tooth extracted?

In general, it is not recommended to eat mandarin oranges immediately after wisdom tooth extraction. You should wait until the extraction wound has mostly healed before consuming small amounts, to avoid interfering with wound recovery or causing discomfort. Therefore, after tooth extraction, your diet should primarily consist of lukewarm, soft, smooth, and non-irritating foods. Only after the wound has stabilized should you gradually try fruits like mandarin oranges, ensuring proper healing and preventing complications.

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Can I eat mulberries after having my wisdom tooth extracted?

In general, whether or not one can eat mulberries after wisdom tooth extraction primarily depends on the healing progress of the wound. If the wound has already healed, eating mulberries is usually acceptable. However, if the wound has not yet healed, it is not recommended. After tooth extraction, patients should also avoid eating overly hard, hot, cold, or spicy and irritating foods to prevent irritation and pain at the wound site.

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Are there really too many side effects after wisdom tooth extraction?

If the wisdom tooth is abnormally positioned, has multiple roots, or is in close proximity to nerves and blood vessels, extraction becomes more difficult and may increase the risks of bleeding, nerve damage, infection, and other complications. If a patient's overall health is poor and healing capacity is compromised, post-extraction infections and delayed healing are more likely to occur. Failure to follow medical instructions may also affect treatment outcomes, potentially leading to complications such as dry socket or infection.

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Will swallowing saliva after wisdom tooth extraction tear the wound?

If a patient swallows too frequently or with excessive force, it may pull on the muscles and tissues surrounding the wound, thereby increasing the risk of pain and bleeding. Additionally, if the wound shows clear signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or fever—and is difficult to heal, swallowing saliva may introduce oral bacteria into the wound, potentially further tearing the wound and worsening the infection.

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